We landed in Geneva, Switzerland the night of the Paris attacks. Actually, I believe it began when we were mid-air because upon arrival, I had received concerned messages from friends asking if we were safe. The amount of people who texted us + reached out to us was extremely comforting and reassuring that we have love and support from our family and friends at home.

During the horrific events, I just kept wishing we had been home, safe in Chicago. And really, no place is safe anymore, so I guess what I wanted more than anything was to just be surrounded by family and friends in an area that was familiar and comforting.

In any case, we were obviously far from Chicago. While I was glued to CNN in our Swiss hotel, running through various scenarios in my head, asking a slew of questions because I couldn't wrap my head around the events {my imagination gets the best of me at times}, Ross kept reminding me that we can't live in fear and we can't shelter ourselves.

So {I swear, I'm getting to my point}, we made the best of being in Geneva this past weekend. And we did enjoy our time in this sleepy city. Here is what we learned about Geneva:

1. The town is surrounded by France on 3 sides so residents speak French. However, German + Italian are also languages you may hear throughout Switzerland. Walking around, Ross + I noted the Parisian-style architecture {although, I have to say that Paris is a bit more charming}.

2. The town is extremely quiet. While London has 8.5 million people, Geneva has 188,000 people. As you can imagine, there is a noticeable difference: no one bumped into me; I wasn't pushed or shoved around; I didn't have to weave in + out of throngs of people; and the streets were nearly empty until about 2pm.

3. Sunday, the streets are entirely empty because nothing is open. When I say nothing, I literally mean all retail shops + 95% of restaurants are closed.

4. They are known for their delicious fondue. We had the most decadent + hearty + completely unhealthy lunch {#noregrets} from Les Armures. And also similar to France, they have buttery + fluffy croissants with Switzerland's renowned chocolate.

5. Lake Geneva doesn't only exist in Wisconsin {learn something new every day!} and it's the main attraction in this small town {rightfully so...she sure is a stunner!}.

Lake Geneva is Europe's largest lake.

Had to take a picture with Geneva's landmark, Jet d'Eau. I also had to take multiple pictures of the Jet {below}...

Look at that rainbow!

Can you see Mont Blanc, Europe's tallest mountain, peeking out in the background?

6. Despite the closing of the French border, we were able to cross into Archamps to see Mont Saleve and its cable-car attraction that brings in tourists. Although the lift was closed, the mountain was breathtaking, so I was still grateful we had the opportunity to walk around the area. France truly is one of the most stunning countries I've had the privilege of visiting.

My favorite picture of the weekend. Something about it is so peaceful, yet haunting.

7. The UN is located in Geneva, Switzerland. Ironic to visit, as the world doesn't seem to be united at this moment.

After reflecting on this past weekend, there are many things I want to say, not just about the Paris attacks, but about the inhumane and tragic events that plague majestic and beautiful cities and people all over the world, as well. It's heartbreaking to have to reassure frightened 13, 14, 15, 16-year-old students {and reassure myself} that we are safe in London despite tabloids claiming "we are next." It's terrifying wondering if I'm safe on public transportation. And it's even more frightening that Ross + I have to devise some sort of emergency plan just in case {everyone, in reality, should have some sort of plan}. I think the bottom line is, yes, I'm scared and probably more down than ever that we are so far from home and so close in proximity to what seems like a war zone.

That being said, weekends like the one we had in Geneva remind me that the world is full of beautiful places and kind people. With each new city we discover, I realize there seems to be more good in the world than bad. There is more beauty than the ugliness we witnessed this past weekend. And so, we will continue to do what we've been doing: living + traveling {after all, that's what we came for...}. Maybe, just with a little more awareness.